If you or someone you know is pregnant, there is a good chance that you have wondered about the impacts the COVID-19 vaccine has on a pregnant woman’s health. In this blog, we will share recent studies and information from the CDC and other medical experts to help you learn more about this new topic. Although this is a great resource, please keep in mind that this blog is not a medical guideline. It is ALWAYS best to ask questions and discuss the COVID-19 vaccine with your healthcare provider and/or OBGYN.
Current Information for Pregnant Women Considering the COVID-19 Vaccination
At the moment, both the CDC and the independent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) have made all known information available to help pregnant women with their choice to be vaccinated or not. The current COVID-19 vaccine is for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) only.
This means that the ACIP suggests that healthcare personnel and other frontline essential workers, followed by elderly individuals, qualify for EUA use.
It is important to keep in mind that women who are pregnant, just like those in the current EUA groups, have the choice of whether or not they want to be vaccinated. Whether you are currently pregnant or planning to be in the near future, you should discuss all of your questions and concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccine with your healthcare provider and/or OB-GYN to help you make the best decision for you and your baby.
Currently, There is Limited Information Regarding Safety of the COVID-19 Vaccine and Pregnancy
Since the COVID-19 vaccine hasn’t been around very long, there is currently only a small amount of data available regarding the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines for women who are pregnant. More information will be readily available over time, after more studies and clinical trials are completed.
As of now, both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC have set up safety monitoring systems to obtain all information concerning pregnancy and the COVID-19 vaccine. Presently, the vaccine manufacturers are monitoring women in the clinical trials who have become pregnant after being vaccinated.
Vaccination is a Personal Choice
Vaccination is your choice; women who are pregnant have the right to choose if they want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine or not. In order to help you decide if being vaccinated during your pregnancy or not is the best choice for you, you should have a discussion with your doctor.
Here are some suggestions of questions you can talk about with your OB-GYN. (This list is not an all inclusive list; make sure to ask any other questions or concerns you may have regarding the vaccine):
- What is the most up-to-date information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
- How well will the vaccine protect me and my unborn baby?
- How likely am I to be exposed to the COVID-19 virus?
- What are the possible side effects, both to me and my unborn baby?
Talk to Your OB-GYN
Experts all agree that the best thing a pregnant woman can do to help her make a decision about the COVID-19 vaccination is to schedule an appointment with your OB-GYN.
“The Food and Drug Administration’s EUA for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine states: ‘If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss your options with your healthcare provider.’ (John Hopkins Medicine)”
It’s their job to help you, so don’t feel bad about asking ANY questions regarding the safety and your concerns about pregnancy and the COVID-19 vaccination. Your OB-GYN wants to assist you in making the best choice for you and your baby regarding the vaccination, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help!
How We Can Help
It’s important not to stress during your pregnancy, which is often easier said than done. That’s why our team at Informed Choices is dedicated to helping you during this process. Whether you are looking to learn about pregnancy, need help finding an OB/GYN, or want to talk, we are here to help. If you have any questions or need support, call or text us to schedule an appointment. We would love to meet you.
Grayslake, IL: Call or Text: (847) 650-5864
Crystal Lake, IL: Call: (815) 455-0965 – Text: (847) 421-1446
Additional Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/pregnancy.html